BRPI0916803A2 - seat belt anchor assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

SEAT BELT ANCHOR ASSEMBLY A seat belt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seat belt retention system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms a latch for the seat belt and has an end of the extension plate. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener connection. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross section that engages with the anchor and intertwines with it. In one embodiment, a retention latch is provided allowing the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to allow the final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent it from appearing that components are improperly assembled.

Description

"FITTING ANCHOR BELT ASSEMBLY"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a seat belt anchor assembly adapted for use as part of a motor vehicle seat belt retainer assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Seat belt assemblies are in widespread use in motor vehicles. The present systems have certain common elements including seat belt strap that crosses over the upper and lower torso of the occupant, and a retractor to allow protraction and retraction of the belt so that the belt can adapt to different sizes of occupants and is conveniently out of the way when not in use. Seat belt mounts additionally typically include a buckle that removably attaches to a latch plate. Other common elements include deflectors or D-rings that reorient the belt to properly position it with respect to the occupant to provide the desired retention performance along with comfort and convenience of use. Seat belt mounts need to be must be securely affixed to motor vehicle structural elements in order to provide the necessary retention effect in vehicle impact conditions and additionally to comply with government regulations. More often, elements of the seat belt assembly are attached to the vehicle structure such as the dashboard

2/11 floor, ceiling frame, body pillars, or seats using threaded fasteners. For some seat belt system designs, it is necessary to affix two components together to provide an anchor assembly and the two parts can be joined at various stages of an assembly process and perhaps at different locations. For such applications, an anchor component is provided which is affixed to the seat belt and may, for example, include a D-ring or opening for receiving the belt, which is connected with a separate ferrule or other assembly adapted to be affixed to the vehicle. Once these parts are separated, they need to be assembled at some point in the assembly process. In addition, some designs of seat belt restraint systems need to be adapted to fit various types of vehicle applications. For example, in some instances, an anchor is bolted directly to a vehicle frame element through a metal connector strip having an opening for receiving a mounting screw. In other applications, a cable having one end attached to the motor vehicle and the other end attached to the anchor is used. It is desirable to provide a seat belt anchor assembly that can be readily adapted for both cable and strip mounting applications as well as other potential mounting applications.

Since it is often necessary to combine the above mentioned components of an anchor assembly for such applications, it is desirable that these parts can be installed together during the assembly process and kept in a connected condition until the final connection and fixation of the components can be made. Holding these parts together, they remain in an assembled condition. Since seat belt anchor assemblies must withstand significant tension forces during operation and testing, the two components that combine together to form the anchor assembly must be structurally robust. in order to comply with these requirements, and its own assembly should be easily achieved and visually apparent.

A seat belt anchor assembly in accordance with this invention provides the aforementioned characteristics of adaptability, ease of assembly, and structural integrity.

Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention refers from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat belt anchor assembly according to a first embodiment of this invention shown with the ferrule having a cable connecting end; Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the anchor assembly according to a second alternative embodiment of this invention in which the ferrule is connected with a strip for connecting the vehicle; Figure 3 is an exploded pictorial view of the components of the seat belt anchor assembly shown in Figure 1 in an exploded unmounted condition;

year Figure 4 is a side view of the assembly shown in figures 1 and 3 showing the mechanical connection between the anchor and ferrule components; Figure 5 is a front view of the assembly shown in Figures 1 and 3; Figure 6 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in Figures 1 and 3; Figure 7 is a top view of the assembly shown in Figures 1 and 3 with the anchor and ferrule components improperly assembled; Figure 8 is a top plan view of a seat belt anchor assembly according to a third embodiment of this invention; Figure 9 is a top view from the bottom of the assembly shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a side view of the seat belt anchor assembly shown in Figure 8; and Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective illustration of the combination of the anchor and ferrule components of the embodiment shown in figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A seat belt anchor assembly according to the first embodiment of this invention is illustrated in figures 1 and 3. The anchor assembly includes a pair of primary structural components, including anchor 12, ferrule 14, and additionally has retention latch 16. Figure 1 shows these components in an assembled position, while figure 3 shows the parts in an exploded part position.

Anchor 12 is preferably formed from sheet metal material and includes a connecting end 18 which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a central opening 20 adapted to receive a seat belt (not shown). Connection end 18 could alternatively mount a belt buckle or other component of the belt retention system.

Preferably, if the belt is oriented through opening 20, the edges of the opening would characterize rounded edges or, in some cases, a resin coating is used to provide smooth movement of the belt through the opening and prevent wear or gouging of the belt when it is under load.

Anchor 12 additionally includes a prominent plate end 22. In a preferred embodiment, plate end 22 includes a middle section 24 and an end section 26. The end section 26 is wider than the middle section 24, by means of this forming a pair of shoulder surfaces 28 and 30. As will be explained in more detail in the following description, it is preferred that the shoulder surfaces 28 and 30 are "misaligned" or in different positions along anchor length 12 to prevent poor component assembly.

Anchor 12 additionally forms orifice 32 adapted to receive a threaded fastener when the components are in their final assembled condition.

The edges of the middle anchor section 24 are shown to have an embossed radius edge 36 that provides clearance to combine contact with the ferrule 14. The ferrule 14 is also preferably formed from sheet metal material and includes a section of end 38 which is U-shaped in cross section.

pp 6/11 The end 38 forms a section of plate 40 and a pair of rolled sides 42 and 44, each preferably forming extension hooks 46 and 48, and notches 50 and 52. Plate 40 additionally forms orifice 54 which is oriented to align with hole 32 when components are in their assembled condition to receive a fastener such as threaded screw 74.

In order to allow the anchor assembly 10 to be adapted for various vehicle applications, the ferrule 14 in a first embodiment forms a cable crimping sleeve

56. Sleeve 56 has a hollow interior for receiving a mounting cable (not shown) and can be crushed to firmly affix the cable to the ferrule 14. Another end of the cable is mounted to a vehicle structural component.

In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 2, the ferrule 14A is characterized and the extension strip 58 having a mounting opening 60. The strip 58 can be directly mounted to a vehicle structural element through a threaded fastener connection passing through the mounting opening 60.

As illustrated particularly in Figures 1 and 3, the retainer latch 16 includes a central bridge section 64 and a pair of V-shaped legs 66 and 68. The internal surfaces of the legs 66 and 68 preferably include ramp projections 70 and 72 such that the lock 16 can be engaged in engagement with the anchor 12. This occurs since the ramps 70 and 72 deviate since the lock is installed and fitted against the surface of the anchor face opposite the surface where the bridge 64 is present . Anchor notches 71 and 73 are provided with ramps 70 and 72 to locate lock 16. Figure 2 shows the position of the retaining lock

7/11 | | | |

16 as it would be installed in a snap connection coupling with the anchor 12. Once the lock 16 is mounted, it is kept in | connection with anchor 12. | Ferrule 14 is mounted in connection with anchor 12 | sliding together in a way that causes compression of | closing legs 66 and 68 allowing hooks 46 and 48 | 'release shoulders 28 and 30. Once in this position, tension | is applied to the parts causing them to move to their position | assembled illustrated in figure 1. In this position, as best shown in figure 4, hooks 46 and 48 intertwine | with anchor end section 26. Closing legs | retainers 66 and 68 provide a compliant force 'by urging anchor 12 and ferrule 14 into their mounted position as | shown in figure 1. In this assembled condition, the assembly can be handled and shipped and then threaded fastener 74 can be installed.

Since the ferrule 14 is formed of sheet metal, a radio is formed at the junctions between the plate section 40 and sides 42 and 44. When the parts are assembled, embossed edges 36 of anchor 12 provide unobstruction to accommodate the spokes ferrule internals 14. As shown in figure 3, the shoulder surfaces 28 and 30 are positioned in different positions along the anchor length 12. The corresponding ferrule engagement surfaces 14 are also misaligned from | the same way as the boss surfaces.

So, | in a properly assembled condition, the components | reached the position shown in figure 1 in which case the | holes 32 and 54 line up to receive the fastener | threaded 74, shown in figure 4 as screw 74. However, if the parts are improperly assembled with the

At 8/11 anchor 12 or ferrule 14 in an upside down position, the parts cannot reach their assembled condition as shown in figure 7, As shown in this figure, holes 32 and 54 do not align and one of the hooks 48 does not engages anchor shoulder 30, indicating improper assembly.

The parts only fit together when the ferrule plate 40 is placed against a medium anchor section face surface 24, and not when placed against the opposite face surface.

During the assembly process, the ferrule 14 can be attached to anchor 12 in the manner described above and handled as part of a seat belt assembly.

When the | final assembly process is completed for the system | seat belt, threaded fastener 74 is installed through holes 32 and 54. As best illustrated in figure 4, the interlacing connection between these components provides a high mechanical resistance connection between them capable of retaining the forces acting on these components during use is in compliance with government regulations.

Depending on the application, either the 14 or 14A ferrule configuration can be used with anchor 17. A seat belt anchor according to a third embodiment of this invention is illustrated in figures 8 through 11. This anchor assembly 80 forms a pair of primary structural components similar to those of the first and second embodiments including anchor 82 and ferrule 84. This embodiment, however, does not employ a corresponding element with retention lock 16 described and shown in connection with the first and second embodiments.

Figures 8 through 11 | illustrate these components in an assembled condition.

A | | The

E | MES 9/11 anchor 82 is preferably formed of sheet metal material and includes a connecting end 86, which in the illustrated embodiment forms a central opening 88 adapted to receive the seat belt (not shown) for connection to a system associated belt retention.

Anchor 82 additionally forms a prominent plate end 90 forming the middle section 92 and end section 94. The end section 94 is longer than the middle section 92 thereby forming a pair of shoulder surfaces 96 and 98. A anchor 82 additionally forms orifice 102 adapted to receive a threaded fastener when the components are in their final assembled condition.

Between connection end 86 and plate end 90, anchor 82 forms a narrow neck section 91. Ferrule 84 is also preferably formed of sheet metal material and includes end section 104 which is U-shaped in transversal section.

The end 104 forms a plate section 106 and a pair of rolled sides 108 and 110, each forming hooks 112 and 114 that extend to the cable sleeve 130, and notches 116 and 118. The rolled sides 108 and 110 additionally form a second pair of hooks 132 and 134 with folded end towards the center of plate section 106. Plate 106 additionally forms hole 120 which is oriented to align with hole 102 when the components are in their assembled condition to receive a fastener such as threaded screw 74. Bearing 124 is welded to ferrule plate section 106 to provide additional threaded engagement with fastener 74, to increase the locking and holding force provided by the fastener.

The fastener

? is 10/11 74 is not shown with anchor assembly 80, but would be inserted through hole 102 to engage with the bearing

124. In other words, the fastener would be inserted in engagement with the assembly as the components are shown in figure 8. The anchor end section 94 forms side edge sections 126 and 128 that are curved or deflected towards the plate section ferrule 106. This feature is best illustrated in figures 10 and 11. As the first embodiment, anchor assembly 80 includes features to prevent improper assembly of anchor 82 and ferrule 84. The self-assembled condition is illustrated in figures 8 through 11. Anchor 82 and ferrule 84 are combined together and then separated such that they slide in relation to each other until the ferrule 84 and hooks 112 and 114 engage with shoulders 96 and 98. In this assembled condition, the: hooks 132 and 134, which fit in the anchor neck section 91 when the parts are being assembled, they also overlap the middle anchor section 92. As best shown in figure 11, the edges 126 and 128, having their twisted configuration formed, allow the ganc hos 112 and 114 intertwine with these. Once in the final assembled condition shown in figures 10 and 11, a threaded fastener 74 can be placed through holes 102 and 120 engaging with bearing 124. Improper assembly of the anchor assembly 80 is | prevented since if an attempt was made to invert the ferrule 84, the twisted edges 126 and 128 Í would interfere with hooks 112 and 114. This would prevent | the parties reached their final assembled condition in which the |

Í AEEDNIN A

MM FS: 1/11 «holes 102 and 120 line up, so the fastening 84 is prevented.

In order to allow the anchor assembly 80 to be mounted to the vehicle, the ferrule 84 in the embodiment shown in figures 8 to 11, forms a cable crimping sleeve 122 which is similar to the ferrule 14 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

As illustrated in the descriptions of the first and second embodiments, the ferrule 84 could also be adapted to include a strip for mounting to the vehicle or some other feature for mounting could be provided.

This description defines a configuration of anchors 12 and 82 and ferrules 14 and 84 and their mutual engagement.

It is recognized that the characteristics of one of these components can be provided in another component as long as it achieves the objectives and characteristics of this invention.

Thus, ferrule 14 or 84 could, in such an alternative configuration, have the characteristics of anchor plate end 22 or 90, with anchor 12 or 82 having the shape of a U-shaped cross-section with the sides and hooks described for the ferrule .

While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change. without departing from the proper scope and meaning of the attached claims.

Claims (12)

IIS. âÁ OO TO OO O o 1/4 | CLAIMS 1. Seat belt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle belt retention system and adapted for connection to the restraint system belt, the assembly being characterized by the fact that it comprises: a first and a second component, one of first or second components configured in the form of an anchor for connection to the belt and the other of the first or second components configured in the form of a ferrule for connection to a structural component of the vehicle, the first component having a connecting end and an end of generally flat plate, and the second component forming a "U" shaped cross section adapted to receive the flat plate end of the first component, the second component additionally forming at least one hook that engages with the flat plate end of the first component when the first component and second component are in an assembled position. 2. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises the first component forming a middle section and an end section, the end section having a width greater than the middle section and forming at least one shoulder surface between the middle section and the end section, and the second component engaging the shoulder of the first component Í when the first component and second component are in | mounted position. : '2/4 3, Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises the one or more hooks of the second component including a first pair of hooks engaging the flat plate end of the first component and a second pair of hooks that fit within a neck section formed by the first component, and when the first and second components are assembled, the second pair of hooks overlap the flat plate end of the first component. 4. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one shoulder surface including a first and a second shoulder surface with the shoulder surfaces spaced at different positions along along the length of the first component, through which the second component combines with the first component and can be placed in the assembled position only when the second component is brought into contact with only one of the two face surfaces formed by the first component. 5. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a lock to urge the first and second components to be kept in the assembled position, the lock affixed to one of the first or second components and having an articulated arm that engages the other of the first or second components to urge the O DO A Sa 3/4 | first component and the second component to engage in the assembled position. 6. Seat belt anchor assembly, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that | which further comprises in which the articulated arm of | closure additionally urges to the flat plate end of | first component to contact the second component. l 7. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the clasp having a section of | central bridge and a pair of articulated arms. 8. Seat belt anchor assembly, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that | which additionally comprises the closure additionally having | a pair of legs that engage in engagement with the one of the first component and the second component to affix the | 20 closing the first or second component. | 9. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the first or second component additionally forming a cable connection sleeve to receive a cable to mount to an element of | vehicle structure. 10. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the first or second j RR | component additionally forming a strip having a mounting opening for mounting to a vehicle frame member. 11. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the first component in the form of the anchor and the second component in the form of the ferrule. 12. Seat belt anchor assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises - in addition to the first component forming a first hole to receive a fastener, the second “component forming a second hole to receive a fastener, the holes of the first component aligning to receive the fastener when the first component and the second component are in the assembled position. 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